The Carretera Austral
Drive the iconic Carretera Austral, one of the most iconic road trips on Earth.
Embark on a self-drive adventure in Chile on the iconic Carretera Austral, a remote road that cuts through the stunning mountainous scenery of the Aysen region of northern Patagonia, making detours to see traditional coastal villages, visit iconic cave systems and stay within Patagonia Park.
Drive the iconic Carretera Austral, one of the most iconic road trips on Earth.
Scout the landscape for huemul deer, Andean condors, guanacos and perhaps an elusive puma.
Try jet boating, trekking, ice hiking, kayaking and rafting amongst a mighty landscape.
Take a small boat to the hidden caves full of blue and grey coloured stone.
This overland journey through Chilean Patagonia is one of the world’s greatest road trips, travelling on unpaved roads down the Carretera Austral, past tree-shrouded valleys and turquoise glacier-fed streams, and staying in isolated properties. Without another car in sight, and with only the tell-tale sign of dust in the distance to let you know that humanity is still out there, this is an almost-otherworldy journey in one of the most extreme places on the planet.
Days 1-2
Santiago
Day 3
Santiago - Balmaceda - Puerto Rio Tranquilo
Day 4
Puerto Rio Tranquilo
Day 5
Puerto Rio Tranquilo - Patagonia Park
Day 6
Patagonia Park
Day 7
Patagonia Park - Caleta Tortel
Day 8
Caleta Tortel
Day 9
Caleta Tortel - Aysen Region
Day 10
Aysen Region - Balmaceda - Santiago
Days 1-2
Santiago
Santiago is a modern, cosmopolitan capital city with much to keep the discerning traveller occupied.
Day 3
Santiago - Balmaceda - Puerto Rio Tranquilo
Drive the iconic Carretera Austral, the best way to explore this region.
Day 4
Puerto Rio Tranquilo
Take a small boat across General Carrera Lake to reach the marble cave sanctuary.
Day 5
Puerto Rio Tranquilo - Patagonia Park
Day 6
Patagonia Park
Look out for huemul deer, elusive pumas, Andean condors and guanacos.
Day 7
Patagonia Park - Caleta Tortel
Day 8
Caleta Tortel
Spend time in the enchanting coastal village that commonly serves as a springboard for boat trips to turquoise glaciers.
Day 9
Caleta Tortel - Aysen Region
Day 10
Aysen Region - Balmaceda - Santiago
From the small settlement of Balmaceda in northern Patagonia, hop in a steadfast 4×4 and set off south into the Chilean wilderness characterised by soaring mountains, dazzling lakes and rugged landscapes. The Carretera Austral is mostly unpaved but in a good condition, adding to the exhilarating feel and pioneering spirit of one of the world’s most iconic road trips.
Take a small boat across General Carrera Lake to reach the marble cave sanctuary, a picturesque spot where the constant movement of the water has eroded the blue rocks into secret caves and mysterious tunnels.
Journey to the remote Patagonia Park and stay in a homely and exclusive lodge that is the only property located within the private 200,0000-acre reserve. A seemingly endless network of hiking trails surrounds the lodge, each of which can be tackled alone or in the company of an expert naturalist guide. With views of flamingo filled lakes, snow-capped mountains and open grassland, head out on mountain bikes while looking out for guanacos, mountain vizcachas, elusive pumas and red foxes.
Spend time in the enchanting coastal village that commonly serves as a springboard for boat trips to turquoise glaciers and excursions to find Andean condors and black swans. This magical village, surrounded by islands, fjords, channels and estuaries, is renowned for its typical Chilota stilt homes and wooden boardwalks.
Santiago is a modern, cosmopolitan capital city with much to keep the discerning traveller occupied from panoramic cable cars to delightful bohemian districts. Further afield, travel to the charming port city of Valparaiso to see its original funiculars and multi-coloured streets, go wine-tasting in the Maipo or Colchagua Valleys or go horseback riding in the foothills of the Andes on little-used mule trails.
Those wishing to experience all that Patagonia has to offer might like to extend their trip with a journey to Torres del Paine National Park, Chile’s iconic landscape dominated by three granite towers to spend time hiking, horse-riding and mountain biking across the steppe.
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
January and February is the peak season in Chile as it is the height of the summer. Weather can be ideal throughout the country, although the Atacama Desert can occasionally experience unusual rainfall at this time.
January and February is the peak season in Chile as it is the height of the summer. Weather can be ideal throughout the country, although the Atacama Desert can occasionally experience unusual rainfall at this time.
Heading into the autumn, this is a shoulder season for most of the country. This can make for a lovely time to visit as peak prices come down and the crowds ease slightly.
April to August is the winter season throughout Chile, bringing in heavy rains. The southern part of the country will begin experiencing snow which can make areas inaccessible.
April to August is the winter season throughout Chile, bringing in heavy rains. The southern part of the country will begin experiencing snow which can make areas inaccessible.
April to August is the winter season throughout Chile, bringing in heavy rains. The southern part of the country will begin experiencing snow which can make areas inaccessible.
April to August is the winter season throughout Chile, bringing in heavy rains. The southern part of the country will begin experiencing snow which can make areas inaccessible.
April to August is the winter season throughout Chile, bringing in heavy rains. The southern part of the country will begin experiencing snow which can make areas inaccessible.
As the snow begins to melt and days get warmer, this can be a delightful time to visit the central valleys and north of the country.
October marks the start of spring in the lake district. Although you can expect rain, the flowers begin to bloom across the stunning landscapes and temperatures begin to rise.
November is a good time to visit, as spring is in full bloom across the country. Just before the peak season begins in December, there are fewer crowds.
December begins the peak season for travel to Chile, with the climate in its prime for visiting most of the popular destinations. We advise that you begin planning well in advance for travel during this time as many hotels can book up.
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?